Victim from Lachin: ‘Our Village Shelled by Armenia Before Occupation’ – Court Testimony
Court Proceedings Against Former Armenian Officials Accused of War Crimes
On May 5, a significant court session commenced at the Baku Military Court regarding the criminal case against several Armenian nationals, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Davit Ishkhanyan. They stand accused of various serious charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and acts of genocide among others. This case stems from alleged military aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan.
Court Composition and Proceedings
The session was managed by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, supported by judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, with Gunel Samadova serving as the reserve judge. Each accused was provided with an interpreter and a defense attorney to ensure fair representation. Various stakeholders, including victims, their legal representatives, and the prosecution team, were present in court.
Judge Aghayev began the proceedings by ensuring all participants, including first-time victim attendees, were informed of their legal rights and responsibilities.
Presentation of Evidence
The court reviewed video evidence relating to the occupation of the Khojavand district by Armenian armed forces in April 1993. The footage prominently features key figures, including Serzh Sargsyan, the former President of Armenia (2008-2018), alongside Davit Ishkhanyan, currently on trial. The video depicts Sargsyan inspecting military units and making statements that indicated intentions of military offensives rather than ceasefires.
As part of the examination, prosecutors questioned Ishkhanyan regarding the context of Sargsyan’s remarks about capturing more territory, to which Ishkhanyan refrained from commenting further.
Accounts from Victims
The court also heard testimonies from victims of the conflicts, detailing instances of violence and loss they endured. Jamal Mammadov recounted the tragic death of his father, allegedly shot by Armenian soldiers in 1989, while others described the devastation following the occupation of their villages in Lachin district. Victims exposed the calculated military aggression from Armenian forces, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
Among the pivotal testimonies was that of Aghali Ibrahimov, who detailed his village being shelled from Armenian territory, and emphasized the shift to organized attacks from May 8, 1992. Victims provided emotional accounts of losing family members and properties, underscoring the human toll of the conflict.
War Crime Allegations
The court examined various protocols related to massacres, including an attack on the village of Balligaya in Goranboy district, where armed forces allegedly killed 24 individuals, including minors and the elderly. Additional testimonies recounted harrowing events, with victims describing direct attacks while engaged in daily activities such as harvesting potatoes.
In total, 15 individuals are being charged with orchestrating these acts of aggression against Azerbaijan, directly implicating former state officials and military leaders of Armenia.
Conclusion
The trial is set to continue, with more sessions scheduled, providing a platform for the court to assess the extensive evidence presented, alongside further testimonies from victims. This case marks a crucial step in addressing the ramifications of the conflict, aiming to uphold accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The next session is scheduled for May 8.
